On Thursday morning, an explosion in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, resulted in the deaths of nine people, while the Taliban seized control of a city in the east of the country. The blast, which occurred in Lashkar Gah (the capital of the province), was caused by an explosive device targeting a civilian vehicle, leading to the death of nine individuals, including children and women.
In a related context, local authorities in Laghman province (eastern Afghanistan) reported that the Taliban took control of the Dowlat Shah district after days of fighting in the region. Authorities indicated that the Taliban's takeover followed a bloody night of encounters between Afghan forces and members of the group.
Kabul has declared a state of maximum readiness since Washington announced its plans to withdraw all its forces from Afghanistan by September 11, with Afghan officials stating that the Taliban has intensified its attacks following that announcement.
Amid growing concerns about the return of the Taliban once U.S. and NATO forces leave the country after nearly two decades, several questions remain unanswered regarding how to secure vital facilities for Afghans and foreigners. Last Tuesday, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley stated after discussions with other NATO military leaders in Brussels, “This is one of the keys to maintaining a diplomatic presence.”
